WW2, Japanese Occupation Malaya, Banana Money, One Hundred Dollars

*WW2, Japanese Occupation Malaya, Banana Money, One Hundred Dollars*

Obverse:
View of Palm Trees and traditional Malay houses by the river
"THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT PROMISES TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS

府政國帝本日大"

Reverse:
Man and water buffaloes in a stream.

Following the Japanese invasion of Malaya in December 1941 and Burma in January 1942, Singapore fell in February, and Rangoon in March 1942. British and Indian forces reclaimed Burma and Malaya in 1945. The Japanese introduced new currency notes in Malaya in early 1942, and due to the $10 note depicting a banana plant, it became known as banana money. Initially, the Japanese maintained monetary discipline, but as the economy stagnated, they printed more money, leading to hyperinflation. In December 1940, the active circulation was 120 million dollars, rising to an estimated 4,000 million dollars by mid-1945, causing a thirtyfold increase and resulting in hyperinflation.

*Condition

Good used condition. Some staining on the front. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQEXH_5142147523